Sports Protection Accessory with Attachable Face Mask

ABSTRACT

A sports helmet is provided including a filtering element attached to the lower portion of the face orifice to allow some degree of airflow in, but act as a barrier for the wearer from aerosolized exposure from reaching the eyes mouth and nose. Installed under or over a protective face cage, the filtering element is removably attached for allow for replaced as it gets dirty and/or damaged. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a particulate filtering face mask or respirators and, more particularly, to the particulate filtering element adapted for use within sports competition by attachment to a helmet or other positioning device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Respirators are particulate filtering face masks designed to protect the wearer from inhaling hazardous atmospheres, including fumes, vapors, gases and particulate matter such as dust and airborne microorganisms. While various masks are designed for filtering different materials and/or at different levels of efficiency, the currently ubiquitous use of face masks is substantially an outcome of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for the attenuation in the study the spread and effects of the novel corona virus across the United States. In light of current evidence¹, the CDC recommends wearing face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain and especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. ¹https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html#studies (Apr. 3, 2020)

One class of public settings that would benefit from the wearing of masks is competitive team sports. However, in many such sports there is required the donning of particular safety equipment, including helmets.

The use of masks in combination with helmets has existed, such as with a helmet of the type used by firemen and the police. In such vocations a helmet must often be used together with a respirator mask, or with a face mask provided with appropriate air filters or supplies. As such, the general combination of helmets and face masks cannot be considered novel. However, the use of respirators in police, fire and other first responder applications is far from the same field of endeavor as diminishing community-based transmission of infection diseases during sporting activities. Such a combination would previously be considered unnecessary or otherwise prescient. Further, such prior art solutions are inappropriate for the present purpose and are not readily or easily adapted for such sporting activities. In fact, such solutions are entirely unsatisfactory for a number of reasons including, inter alia, that they cannot be adapted to existing sporting equipment and would greatly interfere with and inhibit an athlete's performance.

Consequently a need now exists for attachment of face mask filtering elements to various types of sports equipment helmets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide the wearing of filtering face coverings during sporting events where a significant risk exists for community-based transmission.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide an attachable face barrier for use in conjunction with various types of sports helmets.

Many football helmets have incorporated clear (or tinted) attachment features to increase visibility (no posts obstructing their vision) and to protect their eyes from debris and fingers, etc. Briefly described according to the present invention, a filtering element mesh (woven or non-woven) is attached to the lower portion of the face guard to allow some degree of airflow in, but still acts as a barrier for the wearer from aerosolized exposure (like CoVid-19) from reaching the eyes, mouth and nose. Said filtering element can also limit the contagions of an asymptomatic wearer could deliver to those in close proximity. Installed under the protective cage, the filtering element may be clipped on so that it can be replaced as it gets dirty and/or damaged. The filtering element may be formed of a mesh made of a woven nylon netting and PET, HDPE, or other woven fibers or non-woven materials. It could also be a metal mesh, coated or uncoated, similar to a screen or sieve. The filtering mesh may be coated with a hydrophobic coating to drive off fluids. Alternately, while not being protective against CoVod-19, an antimicrobial additive (such as silver) may be incorporate to provide a layer of protection against other agents.

According to one aspect the present invention, the attachable face mask may be used conjunction with a football type sports helmet. According to alternate applications, alternate sports helmets, such as lacrosse helmets, may be provided to include a structural “veil” that could attach to goggles, hats, or other headgear that does not include a rigid face mask.

Another to yet another embodiment the netting/filter feature may be incorporated on transparent full-face types of masks that the NBA players sometimes wear when suffering from a face or eye injury.

Further, the incorporation of textures and three-dimensional shapes (such as the Lotus leaf, shark skin, dragonfly wing or a number of bio mimicry features may be farther provided to repel fluids.

Further objects, features, elements and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the course of the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary football helmet shell with its protective face mask and including attachment points for affixing of a protective face mask;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view thereof shown having a protective visor affixed to the attachment points;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view thereof in combination with an attachable face mask according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention tor use therewith;

FIG. 4 is an extension of the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an exemplary goalie helmet or baseball catchers or umpires mask with an attachable face mask according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention for use therewith;

FIG. 6 shows a typical hockey goalie helmet or baseball catchers or umpires mask with its protective features and a face mask according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention for use therewith in place;

FIG. 7 shows a baseball helmet shell that has an additional protective face mask and the attachment points where it is bolted to the helmet shell with the addition of a protective visor;

FIG. 8 shows a baseball helmet shell thereof with the addition of the fitter screen material according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a pair of protective goggles according to the PRIOR ART;

FIG. 10 shews a pair of protective goggles with the addition of the filter screen material according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a mouthguard that has a lip protection feature according to the PRIOR ART;

FIG. 12 shows the mouthguard thereof with the addition of the protective barrier according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows the protective banter connected to a sports cap;

FIG. 14 shows the protective terrier secured via a stepping system that interfaces directly with the user;

FIG. 15 shows a conforming full-face shield like those worn by basketball players after a cheekbone or eye orbital injury; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures. It should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent and that the detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. By way of example, and not meant as a limitation, the use of the present invention is shown herein for use in conjunction with a football style helmet. However, such a configuration and use should be considered exemplary and the scope and teachings of the present invention should be and are broadly construed to include similar or functionally equivalent uses with various other sports headgear, such as lacrosse helmets, baseball helmets or hats, or other adaptations broadly equivalently functional as understood by those have ordinary skill in the relevant art.

For purposes of the present disclosure it should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any sector of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to teat single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures.

1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate the same parts throughout the several views, a sports helmet with an attachable face mask, generally noted as 10, is shown according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. An exemplary style football helmet shell 1 is providing having a face guard 2 affixed to a frontal portion of the shell 1. A plurality of attachment fasteners 3 are provided about the upper perimeter portion of the face guard 2. As shown in conjunction with FIG. 2, a protective visor element 4 is provided affixed to the attachment fasteners 3 in order to affix the visor element 4 to the helmet shell 1. The protective visor 4 may be made of a transparent thermoplastic material such as polycarbonate. Further the visor 4 may be transparent or tinted or treated for UV protection or antiglare. As shown herein the visor 3 is may use some of the same attachment points or features as those used to attach the face guard 2 to the helmet shell 1. Alternately, the visor 3 may be affixed with some attachment points of its own.

As shown in conjunction with FIG. 3, the football helmet shell 1 with its protective face guard 2 and the attachment points 3 are provided with the protective visor 4 positioned over the uppermost portion of the face guard 2. A filtering element 6 is provided attachable to the lower portion of the face guard utilizing a plurality of attachment elements 7. The filtering element 6 may be formed of a mesh made of a woven polymeric netting such as Nylon, PET, HDPE, or other woven fibers or non-woven materials. It could also be a metal mesh like a screen or sieve or could be a polymer that has been manufactured with small pores or otter openings for enhanced airflow. The filtering mesh may be treated (i.e. coatings, additives) to give it hydrophobic properties to drive off fluids. Alternately, while not being protective against CoVod-19, an antimicrobial additive (such as silver) may be incorporate to provide a layer of protection against other agents. The attachment elements 7 allow for affixing a portion of the outer perimeter of the filtering element 6 about the lower portion of the face guard 2. The attachment elements 7 may be formed of hook and loop fasteners or other similar or functionally equivalent attachment means. The filtering element 6 is added to the bottom portion of the face guard to provide protection for both the wearer and to limit any expelling of aerosolized materials to others that are in close proximity. It should be noted that the filter itself could be manufactured in tandem with either the face guard and/or visor to make the incorporation of this safety feature more efficient from both a manufacturing and attachment perspective. It should also be noted that other manners of three-dimensional shape and texture could achieve adequate airflow without the micropores or holes.

Referring now in conjunction with FIG. 4, an extension of the embodiment of FIG. 3 is provided showing the typical football helmet shell with its protective face mask and adds the woven screen and having the mesh dropping lower than the bottom of the protective cage. The face mask may be a thin screen of material that can dangle rather freely or could also use weighting at the bottom to let it stay in place. The face mask may also utilize a flexible elastomer attachment point (or the screen itself can be manufactured totally from a compliant material that can stretch and deform) and this could be attached to another article of the uniform or a separate collar to remain in a position to provide protection.

Referring now in conjunction with FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a typical hockey goalie helmet or baseball catchers or umpire's mask with its protective features is provided to which a second rigid thermoplastic material 11 is attached to the primary component 10, in this case with a screw shown 12. This attachment feature or one like it could be used to trap the filter screen 11 and hold it in place.

Referring now in conjunction with FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a baseball helmet shell that has an additional protective face mask and the attachment points where it is bolted to the helmet shell with the addition of a protective visor, often made of a rigid thermoplastic material such as Polycarbonate which can be transparent or tinted or treated to UV protection or antiglare (existing to the PRIOR ART). The baseball helmet shell has an additional protective face mask and the attachment points where it is boiled to the helmet shell with the addition of a protective visor, often made of a rigid thermoplastic material such as polycarbonate. The addition of the filter screen material to the lower portion of the batting helmet could be accomplished if there was a metal cage similar to football or lacrosse helmets with or without the thermoplastic visor.

Referring in conjunction with FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, a pair of protective goggles and in this example, they are shown to be a molded rigid thermoplastic or polymer material. It should be noted that for several sports, one being girl's lacrosse, that a metal cage could also be employed. The addition of the filter screen material has been designed to possess greater structural integrity so that it can maintain its functional position.

Referring now in conjunction with FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, a mouthguard that has a lip protection feature is shown with the addition of the protective barrier. This illustration shows it with a stabilizing feature that would rest on the bridge of the nose, but it could possess adequate stability without this.

Referring now in conjunction with FIG. 13, the protective barrier of the present invention is shown connected to a sports cap.

Referring now in conjunction with FIG. 14, a protective barrier of the present invention is shown secured via a strapping system that interfaces directly with the user. The novelty of this item compared to the many masks that are on the market today is that if has at least one element of structural integrity that purposely creates distance between the mouth/nostrils and the protective barrier.

Referring in conjunction with FIG. 15, a conforming full-face shield is shown like those worn by basketball players after a cheekbone or eye orbital injury. This substrate can act as the foundation to which the protective barrier can be attached. It again emphasizes that a gap exists between the player's mouth and the barrier.

And finally, FIG. 16 shows a conforming full-face shield like those worn by basketball players after a cheekbone or eye orbital injury from another angle to emphasize that there is some degree of curvature to protect from fluids that are not initiated directly perpendicular from the mouth.

2. OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In operation, the present invention provides a particulate and/or aerosolized filtering element adapted for use with and attachment to a helmet. By affixing to existing sports gear, some degree of airflow or ventilation is provided while still acting as a barrier for the wearer from aerosolized exposure from reaching a user's eyes, mouth and nose. Installed under the protective cage, the filtering element is attached prior to use and removed afterwards to be replaced, either as a disposable or washable and reusable element. The entire assembly according to this invention can be adjusted to fit a wide range of sizes and to accommodate different form factors of sporting equipment and head gear. Further, the particulate filtering element may be extended out beyond those attachment points to provide additional production, such as past a mouth guard commonly used with many contact-type sports.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. The Title, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings and Abstract of the disclosure are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the Detailed Description, it can be seen that the desorption provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of 35 U.S.C. Ø 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed. They are not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to precise forms disclosed and, obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments are chosen and described in order to best explain principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and its various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that a scope of the invention be defined broadly by the Drawings and Specification appended hereto and to their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is in no way to be limited only by any adverse inference under the rulings of Warner-Jenkinson Company, v. Hilton Davis Chemical, 520 US 17 (1997) or Festo Corp. v. Shoketsu Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Co., 535 U.S. 722 (2002), or other similar caselaw or subsequent precedent should not be made if any future claims are added or amended subsequent to this Patent Application. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sports equipment accessory that includes a protective element to act as a harder to minimize the transfer of aerosolized contagions to or from the user.
 2. The protective element of claim 1 consisting of a filter mesh screen.
 3. The protective element of claim 1, wherein said protective element is installed to the sports helmet under a protective face cage in a removable manner.
 4. The protective element of claim 1, wherein said protective element is installed to the sports helmet over a protective face cage in a removable manner.
 5. The protective element of claim 1, wherein said protective element is attached to a protective mouthguard.
 6. The protective element of claim 1 wherein the protective element extends beyond an edge of the protective cage and uses reinforcement, mass and/or attachment to maintain a functional position.
 7. The protective element of claim 1, further comprising at least one element of structural integrity that purposely creates distance between a user's mouth/nostrils and the protective barrier
 8. In a football, hockey, baseball or lacrosse style helmet having a shell and providing a face guard affixed to a frontal portion of the shell, wherein the improvement composes: at least one attachment fastener about at least the mid-perimeter portion of the face guard; and a filtering element attached to a lower portion of the face guard utilizing at feast one attachment elements.
 9. The improvement of claim 8, wherein the filtering element is formed of a polymeric material.
 10. The improvement of claim 8, wherein the material is made of woven fibers or non-woven materials.
 11. The improvement of claim 8, wherein the material is made of metal mesh or fiber materials.
 12. The improvement of claim 8, further comprising a hydrophobic treatment on the filtering element.
 13. The improvement of claim 8, further comprising geometry and/or surface characteristics that enhance desired airflow.
 14. In combination: a sports helmet having a shell and forming a frontal opening for accommodating a wearer's face; a plurality of attachment fasteners about at least a lower portion of the total opening; and a filtering element attached using at least one attachment fastener.
 15. The combination of claim 13, wherein the filtering element is formed of a polymeric material.
 16. The combination of claim 13, wherein the material is made of woven fibers or non-woven materials.
 17. The combination of claim 13, further comprising a hydrophobic coating on the protective element.
 18. The protective element of claim 1, wherein said protective element is attached to a protective full-face protective mask with spacing between said mask and element.
 19. The protective element of claim 1, wherein said protective element is attached to a lower portion of sports headgear that includes a protective visor.
 20. The protective element of claim 1, wherein said protective element is secured via a system that interfaces directly with the wearer with at least one element of structural integrity that purposely creates distance between the mouth/nostrils and the protective element. 